Ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day and approved a restriction of movement across the territory.
In a statement issued by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, residents were urged to turn out in large numbers to cast their votes.
He said, “Come Saturday, February 21, will be a day where crucial opportunity to shape the future of FCT will be provided where eligible voters will have the right to exercise their franchise.”
The Minister further disclosed that, with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, Friday, February 20, 2026, has been declared a work-free day to allow residents travel to their respective communities to participate in the elections.
“This is in addition to the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026,” the statement added.
Wike also directed all security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the directive to guarantee a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
